Blog

• Hot cars can be deadly…

  June 16, 2014

  Summer is almost officially here!  Please be careful with furry friends in vehicles: Never leave your pet in a parked car on a warm summer day. Within minutes, the temperature inside the car can reach a scorching 120 degrees. Extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke, which may kill or seriously injure your dog or cat. Signs of heatstroke include: Hard panting and difficulty breathing Vomiting Rapid heart rate If you suspect that your pet has heatstroke, see your … Read More »

• Heartworm Season is Here!

  May 22, 2014

  We are excited about the warmer weather and all the opportunities for outdoor activity that spring and summer bring.   We would like to remind our clients that dogs should start on heartworm prevention on June 1 and get their monthly dose of prevention right up until November 1.   While you are in the clinic, speak to one of our friendly staff about tick and flea prevention as well.  Clients with cats who go outside should … Read More »

• Hot Spots

  July 16, 2013

  A hot spot is a localized area of skin inflammation and infection. The infection can be superficial or deep. Hot spots can be caused by anything that creates irritation to the skin. Insect bites, allergies, excess skin, surface moisture (commonly from swimming or moisture left after bathing), heavy/dense hair coat and matted hair are all common reasons for hot spots to develop. Hot spots can enlarge rapidly, so early diagnosis – before your pet’s hot … Read More »

• Feline Upper Respiratory Infections

  November 19, 2012

  Feline upper respiratory infections are highly contagious and all cats are at some risk of exposure. The cats most at risk are those that go outside, those in shelters, and those in contact with many other cats. Very young, very old, and immune suppressed cats are also at increased risk. The two most common infectious agents causing upper respiratory infections in cats are herpes virus and calici virus which together account for about 90% of … Read More »

• Fundraise for Farley Update

  November 1, 2012

  The totals are in and all of us at Golf Glen Veterinary Clinic are happy to annouce that with the help of our generous clients we were able to raise $360 for the Farley Foundation through the sale of paw prints and goodie bags. The clinic is matching client donations so a total of $720 will go toward this great cause. The Farley Foundation was established by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) in 2002 … Read More »

• Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs

  October 22, 2012

  While some recent studies have shown that chocolate may be beneficial to human health, it is important to know that chocolate can be toxic and sometimes even fatal for animals. Dogs are most commonly affected due to their ability to seemingly find it. What makes chocolate toxic? Chocolate is made from cocoa, and cocoa beans contain caffeine and a related chemical compound called theobromine, which is the real danger. The problem is that dogs metabolize … Read More »

• Anxiety from Thunderstorms and Fireworks

  August 14, 2012

  Thunderstorms and fireworks are a staple of every Canadian summer.  However, for some of our pets, these events trigger severe anxiety.  Pets may develop fears in response to many unique situations or stimuli and as we all know, they have an excellent memory!  Often fears intensify over time – the earlier this is addressed, the better for the pet and household!  Early signs of fear include cats retreating and hiding, and dogs looking away, walking … Read More »

• Traveling with your Pet

  July 17, 2012

  You are going on a trip and thinking of bringing along Fluffy or Fido!  Any travel plans you make for yourself should also include planning ahead to ensure a smooth and uneventful trip for your furry friends. If traveling by car, think about how well Fluffy has done on car trips that you have taken so far.  Is she anxious or car sick?  Will you put her in a carrier or use a seat belt … Read More »

• Pets and Pools

  June 23, 2012

  Many of our canine companions love to swim – in pools, streams, and lakes.  What do we need to think about to keep them safe? Ensure that swimming pools are fenced in for safety, and don’t let Fido have access to the pool unsupervised.  Teach your dog where the stairs are so he can get out safely.  Consider putting a visual cue on the fence behind the steps, so that he can easily see the … Read More »

• Checklist for a Healthy Cat

  September 28, 2011

  Cats make some of the most wonderful, affectionate and loyal companions. If you’ve already adopted a cat, or plan to do so in the future, there are a number of things to consider in order to ensure that your feline is happy and healthy.  Here is a list of things to keep an eye on from your Ontario vet. Fur:  Your kitty’s coat should be fluffy, shiny and free of matting or bare spots. Eyes: … Read More »